This is it folks”, this is how Boris Johnson kicked off his valedictory final speech as prime minister in Downing Street. He has now departed Downing Street for the last time to embark on the long journey to Aberdeen to meet the Queen in Balmoral at around 11:00 BST.
He said: “Thank you everybody for coming out so early this morning. In only a couple of hours I will be in Balmoral to see Her Majesty the Queen and the torch will finally be passed to a new Conservative leader.”
Mr Johnson also used his final speech to complain that the Conservatives “changed the rules” to force him out.
“The baton will be handed over in what has unexpectedly turned out to be a relay race. They changed the rules halfway through, but never mind that now,” he added.
Boris Johnson on Monday called for the ruling Conservative party to rally around his successor Liz Truss, as she takes over as UK prime minister.
Shortly afterwards, Liz Truss will tell the Queen she has the support to form a new government. As the new PM, Truss will then travel back to London for her big moment in Downing Street.
Ms Truss, who defeated former chancellor Rishi Sunak to win the Tory leadership battle, will address the nation later today.
She is expected to announce key members of her cabinet, with reports that a “bold” plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and freeze bills will be introduced on Thursday.
